Arsenal’s start to the season did not go entirely to plan, it must be said. While they moved into a 1-0 lead at Liverpool’s expense on Sunday afternoon, Philippe Coutinho’s well-struck free-kick on the stroke of half time swung the tie back in the Reds’ favour. Ultimately, Liverpool came away from the encounter with a 4-3 win, though after being 4-1 up at one point in the victory, they would have liked to have secured the three points with much more breathing space.
The defeat has already left the Gunners with an uphill mountain to climb. A lack of movement in the transfer market has left manager Arsene Wenger under pressure to spend this summer, with a new centre-back the first port of call, despite the arrival of Rob Holding. Yet further forward, Wenger has at his disposal an abundance of riches to call on. With all things considered, Saturday’s tie with Premier League champions Leicester promises goals and it’s here where football fans can capitalise.
Bet365 are on hand to help you, the punter, win money while being entertained when Arsenal make the trip to the King Power Stadium for the clash of last season’s top-two. New Bet365 customers receive a 100% deposit bonus. When you deposit £10 or more you will qualify for a matched amount to bet with, up to £200. Given the excellent markets on offer for Saturday’s late kick off, you stand to win money from the match.
The first offer I would explore ahead of the fixture is the both teams to score market. Leicester and Arsenal have a habit of providing attacking entertainment and are capable of netting when the opportunity presents itself. Indeed, both teams have scored in the last seven Premier League meetings between the two sides and with odds of both teams netting available at 1.57 with Bet365, you’d be foolish to overlook this market when placing bets on this fixture.
As such, the next market I would delve into is the anytime goalscorer market. Theo Walcott, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Calum Chambers each hit the back of the net in the 4-3 defeat to Liverpool, but I’d steer clear of the trio and instead focus my attention on Alexis Sanchez. Granted, the Chilean mustered just one shot on goal in last weekend’s loss, that effort failing to hit the target, but Alexis has previous against Leicester.
He has netted four goals in as many meetings with the Foxes in the past - against no team has he scored more - while all of those goals were scored in two away meetings against the Foxes. A hat-trick in this fixture last season also means goals could well be the order of the day for Alexis. With doubts over whether Mesut Ozil and Olivier Giroud will start at Leicester, the former Barcelona man could be charged with leading the attack once more.
With Santi Cazorla also widely expected to play in the number 10 role for the Gunners, Alexis should not be short of chances to net. After registering just three assists in 1293 minutes of Premier League action prior to injury last season, the Spaniard provided two goals for Arsenal in the space of 29 minutes against Liverpool. An average of 2.5 key passes per league game was bettered only by Ozil (4.2) of all Arsenal players last term and if Cazorla can spot the runs of Alexis, the Gunners have what it takes to put the Leicester defence to the sword.
Should Alexis once more be called on to spearhead the offensive, then one imagines he can add to his four career goals against Leicester. With that in mind, odds of Alexis to score anytime at 2.60 on Bet365 are hugely appealing, while the same player to score first is available at a tempting 6.50. Without the hugely influential N’Golo Kante, Leicester’s midfield is weaker for it and Alexis and Cazorla could capitalise as a result.
Finally, while it will be tough for Arsenal to secure a positive result at Leicester given their injury concerns, the Gunners were the only team to defeat the eventual champions both home and away in the Premier League last season. If you fancy four wins from the last four league meetings, Arsenal to secure victory is available at 2.50, or if you fancy playing it safe, the Gunners are available at 1.42 to avoid defeat.
Either way, Saturday’s late kick off promises to be a hugely entertaining affair between two teams keen to overcome opening weekend disappointment.
The result is 0-0...
Lots a goals ? Not really ...